.077 Helen Buse
Helen is the kind of friend that, from the moment we met, I immediately wished that we had been friends sooner. Years ago, I gave her a tour of The Met with our mutual friend Nick, but it wouldn’t be until just last Fall, on my first day (practically first hour!) of work at The Center, that we’d reconnect, only this time as colleagues! In that moment and in the months that would follow, I was reminded and had the privilege of being around her deep dedication to her craft, her insane intelligence and drive, and her innate kindness and empathy that seem to be built into her DNA.
As a colleague, Helen’s name popping up over email or her presence in a meeting provided me with such a strong level of comfort and confidence. She is so ridiculously talented and she brings others along for the ride with her willingness to help, advise, and solve. She’s gentle and compassionate, strong and so very wise. She earns the trust of others through her loyalty and respect and makes every situation better because of her genuine interest, curiosity, and efficiency. Her voice and opinion hold an immense amount of weight in my mind and in those of so many others, and I know I speak for other colleagues when I say that we’re all so lucky and better off because of Helen and all that she brings to the table.
Helen, thank you so much for being so sweet and so kind, to me and everyone you touch. Thank you for being such a thoughtful person, always thinking deeply about what you say and about how others want to be treated. Thank you for becoming a dear friend and for always making me smile, laugh, and think about things differently. Thank you for your genuine support and for always providing me with a positive vote of confidence through the best and worse of situations. I am so grateful for you and our friendship, and even more grateful for all the future moments to come. Thank you as well for being such a good friend to Nick, who I know speaks and thinks so highly of you. Thank you, Helen, for being such a truly good person, and thank you just for being you.
-BD